Uganda LC1 Elections Violence Erupts in Jinja, Two Dead

• Two people were killed during LC1 elections in Jinja District on July 28, 2026.
• Security personnel opened fire at a polling station, causing chaos and panic among voters and electoral officials.
• The Electoral Commission has launched an investigation into the incident, which is being led by the Kiira Region Police.
• Richard Kakande and another individual identified as Bosco have been declared wanted by authorities.

According to eyewitnesses, the violence was allegedly instigated by a group led by Richard Kakande, a candidate for LC1 chairperson of Kabi Zone, who had earlier boycotted the election.

Tensions ran high during the Local Council One (LC1) elections in Buwenge Town Council, Jinja District, on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. The situation took a deadly turn when security personnel opened fire at a polling station, leaving two people dead and several others injured. According to eyewitnesses, the violence was allegedly instigated by a group led by Richard Kakande, a candidate for LC1 chairperson of Kabi Zone, who had earlier boycotted the election. The group reportedly disrupted polling activities in both Market Zone and Kabi Zone, causing chaos and panic among voters and electoral officials.

The Electoral Commission has launched an investigation into the incident, which is being led by the Kiira Region Police. The police have also launched a manhunt for suspects still at large, including Richard Kakande and another individual identified only as Bosco. The two have been declared wanted by authorities at Buwenge Central Police Station and Kiira North Division. Meanwhile, the Kiira Regional Police Commander, SSP Charles Nsaba, has condemned the violence and urged communities to refrain from engaging in electoral unrest.

The incident highlights the potential for electoral unrest and violence during local council elections in Uganda. Lawyers and compliance officers should be aware of this risk when advising clients with businesses or investments in the region. The Electoral Commission has a responsibility to ensure that elections are conducted peacefully, but it also relies on security personnel to maintain order. In this case, the actions of security personnel may have contributed to the escalation of violence. An investigation into the incident is ongoing, and it remains to be seen whether any individuals will be held accountable for their roles in the violence.

Lawyers and compliance officers should be aware of the potential for electoral unrest and violence in Uganda's local council elections, which may impact their clients' businesses or investments in the region.

Source: Original reporting via Nile Post